Time/ Money-Saving Tips that have worked for me
1. Buy hamburger in bulk. Cook 3-5 pounds in a large crockpot by cooking on high until done, breaking up the hamburger and stirring throughout the day. Add minced onion and garlic powder while it cooks. Once the hamburger is done, drain in a colander and rinse with water (this helps the flavor of the meat when you freeze it not to get that greasy taste). Let the meat cool, and then scoop 2-3 cups of meat in freezer bags. Squeeze out air from the bag and freeze. The meat is ready for tacos, spaghetti, pizza, beef enchiladas, etc. Thaw in the refrigerator when you are ready to use the meat. This is a huge time saver and cuts down on the cost of the meat as well.
2. Use this same concept when cooking cubed chicken and any other meat. Precook the meat and then freeze it in small quantities ideal for the meals you will be making.
3. Plan your meals for a week, two weeks, or a month and then get your shopping done all at once. Double up meal preparation when you can. If you are making a meal that can be frozen, 2x of 3x the recipe and freeze the extra for another day! I have done this and it is not that much more work to prepare enough for 2-3 meals since you are already getting the dishes dirty.
4. When meal planning try to come up with meals that are cheap and just a couple of meals that cost a little more. Don't plan expensive meals all in the same week and bust your budget. (by the way, have a budget and stick to it)
5. A few meal ideas to get you started. (Make your own list that you know suits your family's tastes.)
Inexpensive lunches that you could use:
PB and J
Tuna sandwiches
Tomato soup and Grilled cheese
Quesadillas
Macaroni and cheese (of course) ;)
Baked Potato with fixins
Inexpensive dinners you could use:
Frozen pizza
Make your own pizza (Food on Friday this week will be a home made pizza recipe)
On Cor meals (usually like $3 or so) We love the Chicken Parmesan and we add spaghetti noodles cooked.
Spaghetti
Calzones
Pancakes or waffles
Taco Salad
6. Clip coupons and plan your meals for the week based off of the deals that match up with your coupons. It takes some time, but is worth it, in my opinion. I have cut my grocery spending in half many times doing this last tip.
Okay, your turn...what are some meals that you make for your family that save you time or money?